In Partisan Vote, Senate Committee OKs Ban On Assault-Style Weapons

By a 10-8, party-line vote with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed, the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday moved legislation that would revive the ban on assault-style weapons that expired in 2004.

The bill, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, now goes to the full Senate — where it is not expected to get enough support to pass. The ban also lacks support in the Republican-controlled House.

Earlier this week, the Judiciary Committee — also on a party-line vote — approved a bill that would expand background checks of gun purchasers to sales between private parties. Last week, the committee voted 11-7 for a bill that would make gun trafficking a federal crime carrying long prison terms. Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa was the sole Republican supporter.